EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball had four individuals recognized on Tuesday, Nov. 27 as the Big Ten Conference released the postseason honors and awards for the 2012 season. Kori Moster, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was also named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.

Junior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski was named to the 16-member All-Big Ten team and Halle Peterson was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Kristen Kelsay, a co-captain, was MSU's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship award.

"It's very difficult to get on the All-Big Ten team because there are so many top quality players," head coach Cathy George said. "There are a lot of great players left off that list every year and we are very humbled that we are in there and our players are fighting for those spots. Yet, we believe they are each very deserving of the recognition."

Moster, a co-captain, led the team in digs this season with 530 and was second in the conference with a mark of 4.53 per set. She also moved into second place all-time for digs in a single season at Michigan State. In just two seasons at MSU, she has already surpassed 1,000 career digs. Moster hit the 1,000 digs milestone at Penn State last weekend after notching 16 digs, bringing her total to 1,004 for her career.

Lauren Wicinski was a unanimous All-Big Ten selection and ranks seventh in the NCAA in points with 5.31 per set.

"I'm thrilled for Kori," George said. "She is so deserving of that award. She works her tail off, is a great leader, and has been able to turn the tide of the match in the backcourt. She brings it in the serving area, her passing and her defense. She is very well-rounded in all of her skills and it is very deserving of her."

Wicinski was named to the All-Big Ten team in her first season in the conference after transferring from Northern Illinois and led the team in kills, aces and points this season. The Geneva, Ill., native broke MSU's single season record in service aces with 77 this season. The previous record of 75 had stood since 1983. Wicinski ranks third in the NCAA and first in the Big Ten in aces with 0.66 per set. She is also second in the Big Ten and 21st in the NCAA with 4.39 kills per set and was seventh in the NCAA and first in the Big Ten with 5.31 points per set.

"Lauren was in the race for player of the year," George said. "We've seen day in and day out why she belongs on the first team All-Big Ten. She was able to bring it from the Mid-American Conference and still sustain that high level of play is exciting for her and for us. We're real pleased for Lauren; she has done a great job and is very deserving of this honor."

Peterson has played in 113 sets this season and proved a vital role in the Spartans' 6-2 offense. The Rockford, Mich., native averaged 4.68 assists per set and recorded two double-doubles this season. She had 22 assists and 12 digs in a 3-1 win over Minnesota and 27 assists and 12 digs in a five-set win over IPFW.

Halle Peterson was named to the All-Freshman and averages 4.68 assists per set.

"Halle was thrown right into the fire and she was able to respond," George said. "You watched her growth throughout the season and be more aggressive with her setting. We're real pleased with what she has been able to do. And the best is still yet to come, we see her progressing daily and she has added another dimension to our offense."

Kelsay was MSU's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship award and has started at setter in all 32 matches this season. The Wheaton, Ill., native notched double-digit assists in all 32 contests and averaged 7.03 assists per set. Kelsay also ranks ninth in the Big Ten in service aces with 0.28 per set.

"Kristen has been a phenomenal leader and brings many traits to that role." George said. "She invests in people, works for her teammates and keeps everyone on task. She helps drive all of us in the right direction. She is extraordinary and is a great sportsman. She is great with opposing teams and is respectful to the referees and to other coaches."

Michigan State heads to Los Angeles, Calif., for the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday. The Spartans will face San Diego at 8:30 p.m. ET at Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA.

ALL-BIG TEN*
Liz McMahon, So., OPP, ILL

Co-Captain Kristen Kelsay was MSU's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship award and has notched double-digit assists in all 32 matches this season.